Borders firm scoops top machinery award

A Kelso family firm are celebrating after taking a top prize at the prestigious LAMMA show for farming machinery, with their latest post driver.

When the Bryce family, based near Morebattle, were asked to attend the awards ceremony at one of the UK’s premier machinery shows recently, it was announced LAMMA had received the largest ever entry for best new products and innovation.

In a difficult trading climate, companies are looking to try to get an edge in the marketplace with products that are considered to be new and different. Bryce are no exception having won numerous awards for their post drivers over the years.

Jock Bryce said this week: “We were all absolutely delighted to receive a top award again, particularly when there were nine other companies on the short list in this category.”

The new system involves a unique combination which allows the rockspike to be swung in and out of work hydraulically.

It was flagged up for top spot for its major contribution to safety, speed of operation and quick cycle times and hugely reduces fatigue at the end of a working day compared to current manually operated systems.

Jock said his expertise came from the million metres of fencing he clocked up as a younger man “with just a spade and a van.

“I had had the idea for the latest machine in my mind about 15 months ago,” he added.

“My work is my hobby, and when I wake up at 2 o’clock in the morning, that’s what I’m thinking about.

“If a job is less tiring, concentration levels are higher and the risk of accidents is reduced,” Jock went on.

The new machine is on the market already, and the application is in to add it to the Bryce portfolio of patents.